This is a 30.09 per cent increase since 2013 when the total number of firearms registered with police was 648,852.

Mr Ryan says the increase can be largely put down to farmers and graziers but any Queenslander has the right to apply for a gun license.

"A significant proportion of Queensland's firearms owners are farmers and graziers with legitimate reasons for the possession of a firearm including to deal with wild animals that attack their stock," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Ryan said police rigorously assess gun ownership applications and are often criticised for being too strict.